Williams, 67, was serving a life in prison sentence for a 1974 murder.

Branstad said he would grant the commutation of William's sentence. It's only Branstad's third commutation in 18 years as governor.

"Mr. Williams' record while incarcerated has been extraordinary," said Branstad in the letter to the Iowa Board of Parole. "He has made the most of his life and has had a positive impact on the lives of both inmates and Department of Corrections' staff."

The Iowa Board of Parole and even some members of the victim's family had supported the release.

Commuting the sentence allows Williams to become eligible for parole after 38 years in prison for the murder of 40-year-old Lester Givhan outside a pool hall.

Three former inmates who served with Williams credited him with helping them turn their lives around. Two of Givhan's cousins said at a hearing earlier this month that the family has forgiven Williams.